What do you call a nose shape like this? (Photo)

Question

I'm going to have a revision nosejob sooner or later and I really would like to have results that are something like in the pictures. I mean, wider at the top, narrower at the tip. I have always liked noses like that and have done some photoediting for my own nose and it looks perfect and balanced on my face. 1. What do you call a nose shape like that? Or is there any specific name? 2. How is that wider top of the nose made, with cartilage or with bone? Thank you.

Jeffrey Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

I’d call this an
hourglass shape.  Achieving increased
width of the top of the nasal bridge is not easily accomplished, but I could
see it potentially being done by one of several approaches- out fracturing the
nasal bones, augmentation with cartilage or soft tissue-  that I feel would likely not be worth the
risk due to the chance of asymmetry and other aesthetic problems.  However you may find a surgeon who has in
fact achieved that with consistency.

Kevin M. Robertson, MD, FACS · Answer

There isn't a specific term for that nose shape.  But what is close is what we call the dorsal line or dorsal highlight of a nose.  Ideally the highlights begin with the paired curved browlines, and continue uninterrupted with either slight mid nasal narrowing, or with roughly parallel  width from the point of the nose between the medial canthus (eye insertion) to a slight flare at the nasal tip.  The examples you show have a slightly wider highlight up high, narrowing in the midthird, and maintain roughly the same width at the tip.  More importantly they have a well defined, clear line as well.  Many times that speaks more about the quality of the skin allowing such underlying bone and cartilage structures to show through.  The key about all of this is really just proper communication.  When you consult with your surgeon, make sure you describe the changes you would like to see, and make sure he/she articulates if its possible.  An exam in person, a full consultation often with the benefit of image morphing software,  and the input of an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon gives you promise that your expectations can be met.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Without a set of photographs, it's impossible to give any meaningful opinion  what can be accomplished. A wide bridge must be narrowed with osteotomies applied to the nasal bones. It's important not to create too narrow of a mid vault area due to collapsing that can occur later in life. It's also important not to create too narrow  of a tip which can create breathing issues. For many examples of narrowing a wide bridge, please see the link and video below

What do you call a nose shape like this? (Photo)

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What do you call a nose shape like this? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.